New Delhi: The Pakistan cricket team is at a tragic low. The team’s recent struggles in all formats, coupled with a leadership crisis and administrative mismanagement, have left many cricket enthusiasts and commentators questioning what went wrong.
After suffering a 4-1 defeat in the T20I series, Pakistan hit a new low in the ODI series, losing 3-0 following a 43-run defeat in Mount Maunganui on Saturday. Pakistan has also lost their last two ODI series in New Zealand in 2018 and 2025, failing to win a single match in either.
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali launched a scathing attack on the team after the ODI whitewash. Describing the day as “the black day in Pakistan cricket,” Ali lamented how the team, once dominant over New Zealand in similar conditions, had fallen so far. He reminisced about the days when Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis would leave New Zealand’s batters unable to move their feet.
“Now they’re doing commentary and criticising us,” Basit said on his YouTube channel.
Other commentators agreed.
“Pakistan cricket appears to be at its lowest ebb, largely due to the systemic failures within the board. Since 2021, chaos has reigned – mismanagement at the top, interference in player selection, and the reckless transfer of power to egotistical former players have all contributed to the decline,” cricket commentator Amer Malik wrote on X.
Ali, meanwhile, also tore into the players in an impassioned rant, accusing them of being more interested in money than in representing their country. He pointed out the injury of Imam-ul-Haq as an act of self-preservation and a symptom of a larger issue—players who are more concerned about personal gain than playing for Pakistan.
The numbers tell the story of Pakistan’s fall from grace. Since the start of the year, Pakistan has played 16 ODIs, having won only two— one against West Indies in January and one against South Africa in the Tri-Nation series.
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What went wrong?
Pakistan’s dismal run in international cricket continued after their Champions Trophy title defense ended in a group-stage exit, despite being hosts. Following the tournament, Pakistan shifted focus, aiming to strengthen its preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2027 ODI World Cup. Shortly after the Champions Trophy, Pakistan toured New Zealand for a series of five T20Is and three ODIs– only to lose all.
In the Test arena, Pakistan has struggled to find consistency. According to data, Pakistan has played 38 matches in the past 5 years where it has won 14 and lost 18. Performances of players, including Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have also been dismal.
According to commentators and experts, another critical factor contributing to Pakistan’s downfall is the instability within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Since Ehsan Mani’s resignation as PCB chairman in 2021, the role has been occupied by four different individuals: Ramiz Raja, Najam Sethi, Zaka Ashraf, and Mohsin Naqvi. This revolving door of administrators has created uncertainty, and the team has struggled to find a sense of direction. The frequent leadership changes have left the players without the stability needed to build long-term success.
Furthermore, the frequent changes in the coaching staff have only worsened the situation. Since Saqlain Mushtaq’s resignation in 2023, six different coaches have taken charge, including high-profile names like Grant Bradburn, Gary Kirsten, and Jason Gillespie, all of whom have resigned within a few months.